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Fitting in time for a workout throughout the work week isn’t always easy. Instead of hunkering down at your desk for the day, try getting active at lunch. Not only will you feel great about finding time for fitness, you’ll discover yourself re-energized for the rest of the day.

After a long winter, we greet the first days of warm weather with a flurry of activity. Neighborhood streets are filled with children on bikes, dog walkers, and couples out for an evening stroll.We all look forward to shaking off the winter blues - and shedding off the winter pounds – with the promise of warmer days ahead.

But this time of year can also be tough on our bodies.Here are ten ways to stay active and safe this spring.

The hardest part about doing anything is getting started. I have found this to be so true, especially when it comes to my fitness goals at the beginning of the year. Once I get started on my daily workout routine, I seem to be fine. But, the hard part is making that first step, and then staying motivated and committed to my fitness goals.

When you consider all the great benefits from working out and getting fit, you will be inspired to do workouts more and more often.

When you start considering a new fitness routine, it is easy to get overwhelmed with options: from at home routines and apps to finding the right gym for you. Finding your fit can make or break your relationship with exercise.

At this time of year, fitness motivation is running high. New Years resolutions have been set and people everywhere are flocking to their local fitness centers to make good on their promise to exercise regularly. This is good news, right? Not always.

In fact, up to 5% of the population exercises beyond what’s considered healthy – They are known as “excessive exercisers” and the number of people who fall into this category balloons each January.

Perhaps you’ve rushed to the gym after work or seeing your fabulous girlfriends so you forgot to take off your jewelry, or maybe you always wear your engagement ring to the gym - you’re not going to take that beauty off! Well, maybe you should. Here’s why it’s better to leave the bling behind next time.

When you’re choosing a vacation for this summer it has to have it all. You want it to be a place for your mind to be at ease and have a chance to recharge, but it needs to be somewhere that helps you keep your workout routine going too. Here are some great vacations that give you everything you need!

It’s not always easy to squeeze in a gym session, but don’t let your fitness goals fall by the wayside. There are many easy ways to exercise at work or even at school! Get up and start moving, no gym required.

As a former ballerina, Melanie used to obsess over her weight and body image. Training for a figure competition changed that for her. "I used to weigh around 90-95 pounds (BMI around 17-17.5), which is unhealthy," she admitted. "I'm a perfectionist, so I wanted to control everything. I had a hard time dealing with weight gain. When I met my current boyfriend, he helped me get through that fear and accept weight gain." Now, Melanie weighs a healthy 115 lbs and feels more comfortable in her own skin than ever before.

Bodybuilding magazines may inspire you to hit the gym and push as much weight as possible. But, trying to imitate your favorite bodybuilder is possibly one of the biggest mistakes you can make. It will not work for you unless you are a pro bodybuilder yourself or simply have the genes that will allow you to pump up easier than those who are not genetically predestined for that.

Playing cards aren't only for poker. Looking for a creative way to get your heart racing? This Deck of Cards Workout will leave you feeling like a million bucks. Grab a stack of playing cards to get started. If you can make it through an entire deck, you're a rockstar. The rules are fairly simple: assign an exercise to each 'suit'. We chose body-weight moves so that you can do this Deck of Cards workout anywhere you go

Achieving a strong core is tough stuff - there's no doubt about it. When you have a gym buddy, it's a lot more tolerable. This partner workout for your abs can be done without any equipment. No gym - just you and your best friend. Getting fit together has never been more fun or easy.

Sorry in advance if you have a long name. You won't need any equipment for this workout. It's perfect if you're stuck indoors on a rainy or cold day. Spell out your full name, and do all the exercises that correspond with each letter. Take tiny breaks if you need to. Make sure you do everything with proper form and repeat the name workout if necessary.

The easiest thing in the world is to let yourself get out of shape, eat all the wrong foods, and not get the exercise you need. But, unfortunately, that is a guaranteed way to feel terrible every day. There is another path you can take: the path to fitness. It’s one that will make you feel fantastic. But this path requires a few sacrifices and hard work to make it happen. All you need is a little motivation to get started.

If your ab routine is feeling a little lacklustre, give this partner workout a try. Hang out with your bestie and sculpt killer abs at the same time. You'll especially be working your obliques and lower abs. You will have the strength and core stability that you need to slay at all of your other favorite sports.

If you want the body of a god, your search might lead you to a few different answers and solutions. You might get results for faith-based weight loss sites and, if you’re lucky, a blurry video featuring the “super ‘hot’ Jeff Godbod”. Of course, if you’ve ever found yourself admiring the lean and rounded muscles of Greek statues, or the rounded and slim thighs of ballerinas, the god-bod is definitely for you.

"It's so important to take care of our bodies and to know what we are putting into our bodies," affirmed Triona R. (@TrionasFitN5), a PumpUp member who joined the community with an action plan to pursue her own health goals, and to assist others during the process. "I wanted to educate others about a healthy lifestyle. As a life-long athlete, I thought I was always healthy until I became more aware about what I was putting into my body.

There's a mystical realm that lies beyond your comfort zone. That's where the magic really happens. Sadly, it isn't Narnia and it certainly isn't Hogwarts. You won't be able to enchant your way to a healthier you, but you can mentally prepare yourself to take the next step. Having a positive and supportive fitness community to encourage you along the way is an extra (and often, necessary) bonus. Here are a few quotes about courage that will certainly inspire you to dip your foot into fresh waters and take the next step in your fitness journey.

Thinking about forgoing the inevitable leg day? Think again. With a few household items, your home can become your gym, too. This innovative water pack workout by PumpUp member @ibsfl will have your legs burning all over. These compound movements will build herculean strength and power in your lower body. No need for a kettlebell or any fancy equipment. A water pack workout is perfect if you're getting fit on a budget.

With the help of the PumpUp community, Autumn made more strides with her nutrition than she could have ever achieved on her own. By the time she stepped on stage as a fitness competitor, she lost nearly 25 lbs in 11 short weeks by making changes to her eating and exercise habits. This was an incredible feat for a female over the age of 30. "I learned that less food isn't always the answer," she shared.